Object Identification
- Object name: Altar crucifix
- Owner: Churches Conservation Trust
- Origin: St Michael’s Church, Burwell, Lincolnshire
- Dimensions: L 73.6 cm x W 24.5 cm x H 10 cm
- Materials: Bone, ebony, iron nails
Summary
Conservation treatment of an altar crucifix from St. Michael’s Church in Burwell, Lincolnshire. – The object has suffered significant damage caused by vandalism and material deterioration. – The practical conservation project was divided into two components, with the wooden crucifix conserved in term one and the figure of Christ in term two. – The ultimate goal of this treatment was to stabilise and preserve the crucifix, allowing it to be returned to St. Michael’s Church. – Through optical and microscopic examination methods, a degraded transparent coating was identified on the surface of the crucifix. – Various attempts were made to conserve the degraded varnish. Eventually ‘amalgamation’ was used to reform the degraded varnish. – Re-attaching the base was a complicated operation that took place over a few days. Ultimately 12 clamps were used.
This object was conserved by Sophie Nimmins. Find out more about her by clicking on the profile below!
Sophie Nimmins
